Apparatus for proportioning and delivering fluids



p 1965 w. M. YOUNG 3,204,661

APPARATUS FOR PROPORTIONING AND DELIVERING FLUIDS Filed April 4, 1963 IN VEN TOR.

I WILLIAM M.YOUNG United States Patent 3,204,661 APPARATUS FOR PROPORTIO'NING AND DELKVERING FLUIDS William M. Young, 26880 'St. Francis Drive, Los Altos Hills, Calif. Filed Apr. 4, 1963, Ser- No. 270,613 9 Claims. (Cl. 137-5645) This invention relates to. apparatus for injecting one fluid into a stream of another fluid to deliver a proportioned mixture of both. The invention is particularly useful for agricultural spraying.

It is a general object of the invention to provide an improved fluid proportioning apparatus.

Another object is to provide improved apparatus usetful for injecting liquid concentrate into a stream of liquid, as in a water line.

It is another object of the invention to provide a proporti-oning and delivering apparatus for mixing a liquid concentrate with a fluid stream or vice versa, the apparatus being arranged whereby the volumetric flow of the stream can vary without changing the mixing ratio.

A further and more particular object of the invention is to provide a mixing and proportioning apparatus wherein the line pressure or the back pressure can vary without changing the mixing ratio.

It is a more particular object of the invention to provide a sprayer employing a readily interchangeable container of concentrate whereby the concentrate is more easily handled free of direct contact with the operator.

These and other objects of the invention will be more clearly understood and pointed out from the following description of a preferred embodiment when taken with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of apparatus according to the invention.

FIGURE 2 is an elevation section view of the apparatus shown in (FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is a section view taken along the line 3-3 of FIGURE 2.

In general, there is provided apparatu for mixing a fluid material into a stream of another fluid to deliver a proportioned mixture of both. The apparatus in cludes a closed container having inlet and outlet connections defining the stream and directing same through the container. A collapsible reservoir, such as a compliant bladder, is suspended within the container so as to be at least partially and, preferably, largely enveloped by the stream. The collapsible reservoir is adapted to contain fluid material, such as liquid concentrate, to be mixed with the stream. Fluid passage means are provided for transferring the contents of the reservoir into the stream. The fluid material or concentrate can be delivered in any selected proportion within a predetermined range, as well as in a plurality of selectable ranges that can be established.

A container having a substantially elliptically shaped, or oval shaped, horizontal cross-section includes an inlet connection 11 and an outlet connection 12. The elliptical configuration of the interior of container 10 extends upwardly throughout a substantial portion of the container corresponding at least to the major upward extent of a bladder 18, as described further below. Thus, as will be explained, when bladder 18 is filled, it is supported by the walls of container 10. Connections 1 1, 12 are formed with threads for coupling container 10 into a water line, for example, such as a garden hose.

Although connections 11, -12 are preferably disposed at the top of container 18, their location can be otherwise, if preferred for other reasons. Preferably, the

ice

outlet connection is at the top of the container to minimize entrapment of air.

Container '10 is provided with a wide opening 14 at the top. Opening 14 is closed and sealed by a filling and proportioning assembly 15 maintained in place by screws and provided with a gasket '16 to form a liquidtight seal.

Means forming a collapsible reservoir include a compliant bladder 18 carried within container 10. Bladder 18 is formed with substantially flat sides joined at the edges whereby when empty, the sides can easily and normally collapse to a substantially contiguous disposition to assure substantially complete emptying of the contents of the bladder. When no Water is present in container 10 and bladder 18 is filled with concentrate, the bladder and concentrate are supported by the inner wall of the container. Thus, in a filled state, the sides of bladder 18 conform substantially to the elliptically shaped interior of container 10 and when emptied, bladder 18 will be substantially completely empty.

An elastomer-coated fabric, preferably highly resistant to most concentrates, can be used for bladder 18. One such suitable material is manufactured by the Du Pont Corporation under the trademark Fairprene. Bladder 18 can be fabricated in any suitable manner. For example, a single piece construction can be formed or a pair of sides may be secured t'ogether'and made liquid-tight around the edges 19. The stitching 20 plus suitable adhesive sealant disposed between the edges provides satisfactory sealing. When bladder 18 is emptyand in a relaxed condition, the sides should preferably be free to collapse to a substantially contiguous condition to ensure complete emptying of the bladder.

Means are provided for supporting bladder 18 in the container in a readily releasable manner. A neck portion 21 of bladder 18 passes coaxially over a downwardly depending cylindrical sleeve 22. Sleeve 22 can be integrally formed as part of a base plate 23 of assembly 15. A suitable quick-release clamp or other readily releasable clamp 29 encircles and retains neck portion 21 tightly against sleeve 22. Bladder 18 is thereby suspended freely within container 10.

Bladder 18 can either be installed empty and then later filled, or can be initially full of concentrate. Means for filling bladder 18, where it has been installed empty, include a bowl 24 formed on the upper side of base plate 23. Coaxially of bowl 24, a threaded hole 25 is provided which leads into sleeve 22. Hole 25 is sealed by a gasket and a knurled filling plug 26, described further below. A broad leaf or plate 35 carried by the underside of base plate 23 extends generally toward outlet connection 12 and serves to prevent entry of bladder 18 into outlet 12.

Means for transferring the contents of bladder 18 into a stream as defined generally between connections 11, 12

are provided whereby mixing ratios within a predetermined range of proportions can be selectively established. Thus, plug 26 includes an upwardly extending coaxial bore 27. Bore 27 meets a transverse hole 28 drilled through a reduced annular portion of the stern of plug 26 whereby hole 28 communicates with the drilled passage 30 regardless of the orientation of the plug. Passage 30 extends to the outer edge of base plate 23. Bore 27, hole 28 and drilled passage 30 thereby form fluid passage means for transferring the contents of bladder 18 into the stream passage through container 10.

Means for fluid mixing and delivery includes a transparent plastic sleeve-like member 36 adapted to be screwed into, "and effectively form a continuation of, connection 12 to provide a mixing chamber 46. Accordingly, the reference to outlet connection 12 is herein intended to further include fittings, such as member 36, supported thereby. A tube 37 carries fluid being transferred from bladder 18 to the region of member 36 for intimate admixture with the stream. Tube 37 extends from the discharge end of drilled passage 30 to a position into and clear of the side wall of outlet connection 12 whereby the contents of the bladder are entrained into the stream of fluid. This entrainment can, therefore, be continuously observed.

Means for selectively establishing one of a plurality of mixing proportions lying within a predetermined range have been provided as described further below.

It has been observed that selected mixing ratios of the stream to the concentrate within a predetermined range are determined by the relationship of the minimum flow passage area A of the stream from inlet 11 to outlet 12 as compared to the minimum flow passage area A in the delivery channel from the bladder 18. Thus, the annular area A surrounding tube 37 in the region of mixing chamber 46 represents the area of a transverse plane through the former while A represents the area of a transverse plane taken through the variable constriction controlled by the needle valve identified by reference numeral 31. A plurality of ratios can thus be obtained by varying either A or A or both, in the observed ratio A /A It has been found to be more desirable within a given range to control A with a needle valve thereby providing an infinite number of mixing ratios within the range.

Needle valve 31 is disposed to move downwardly into passage 30 in a variable blocking relation with respect thereto. Needle valve 31 is formed on a threaded body 33 and operated by a lever 32 mounted atop body 33. Lever 32 also serves as a pointer. For convenience, a plurality of scribe marks 34 are scribed upon the top of the apparatus whereby popular proportions can be easily identified.

In addition to controlling A to select mixing ratios within a given range by means of needle valve 31, means are also provided for selectively changing the range by varying A I have found that by employing means for varying the clearance between the outside of tube 37 and the inside of member 36 that I can obtain different ranges of mixing ratios. Proportions within each range can then be controlled by lever 32 as noted above.

Thus, a sleeve 38 of suitable material such as plastic, for example, can be tightly fitted into outlet connection 12 and be supported therein. Sleeve 38 should fit tightly enough whereby the flow of liquid through connection 12 will not cause it to be dislodged. Different sizes of sleeves 38 can be calibrated to provide a complete spectrum of the various ranges.

It has been further observed that by disposing tube 37 within and surrounded by the stream moving through outlet 12, entrainment and mixing of concentrate from bladder 18 is enhanced. For preferred operation, the stream should be as close to tube 37 as possible. Therefore, in changing A by means of sleeve 38, the sleeve preferably is spaced from tube 37 rather than supported thereon.

Operation of the above apparatus is as follows. I have found that by supporting a compliant bladder containing the liquid concentrate directly in the stream of fluid passing through the container and by providing a passage permitting the concentrate to escape from the bladder, the bladder will be emptied without requiring the application of supplemental externally applied forces or suctions thereto. The apparatus operates on the autoinjection principle in which the water stream itself compresses the bladder causing it to collapse until substantially completely flat. Furthermore, it has been observed that a selected mixing ratio achieved in this manner remains constant notwithstanding changes in line pressure, back pressure or volume of flow through the container.

Thus, for example, a spraying operation using a liquid concentrate in a selected proportion proceeds as follows. Plug 26 is removed, and bladder 18 filled with the desired concentrate. The sides of bladder 18 when filled, are supported by the elliptical interior of container 10. Plug 26 is then replaced and a garden hose connection is made (for example) to inlet connection 11. When the water is turned on through hose 13, it will fill container 10 to largely encompass bladder 18. When filled, water will flow in an undiminished stream through container 10. The delivery of water via connection 12 entrains concentrate via passage 30. Entrainment has been found to be particularly effective due to the close adjacency of the stream to tube 37.

Where bladder 18 is to be installed already filled, filling, of course, is not required. Clamp 29 can be readily released so as to remove the previous bladder and install a pre-filled replacement with the desired concentrate. In this instance, the screws holding base plate 23 in place will need to be removed. Bayonet style screws are here suggested where the apparatus is to be employed with interchangeable pre-filled bladders. Should the new concentrate require a range of mixing proportions considerably different from the preceding range, a selected sleeve 38 taken from a calibrated set of such sleeves can be placed in outlet 12 so as to render needle valve 31 operable within the desired range.

From the foregoing description, it will be evident there has been provided a highly adaptable liquid proportioning apparatus.

I claim:

1. Apparatus for injecting a fluid material into a stream of another fluid to deliver a proportioned mixture of both fluids, said apparatus comprising a closed container having first inlet and outlet connections defining the stream and directing same through the container, a collapsible reservoir subject to the pressure of the stream and adapted to contain said material, said reservoir being at least partially submerged in the stream within the container, an Opening through the top of the container, an opening in the top of the reservoir, means forming a flow path communicating between said openings for charging said reservoir with said material from outside the container, and fluid passage means communicating with the opening in the top of the reservoir to transfer the contents of the reservoir into the stream in selected predetermined proportionate amounts.

2. Apparatus for injecting one liquid into a stream of another liquid to deliver a proportioned mixture of both liquids, said apparatus comprising a closed container having inlet and outlet connections defining the stream and directing same through the container, a compliant bladder adapted to contain the first named liquid, said bladder being disposed in the stream within the container, said container having generally upstanding side walls defining the interior of same, the horizontal cross-section of the interior being formed substantially as an ellipse throughout a substantial upwardly extending portion of said container, said upwardly extending portion substantially corresponding in extent to a substantial extent of said bladder whereby the bladder when filled can conform to said walls to gain support therefrom, said bladder comprising a pair of relatively broad, normally, when in a relaxed state, flat compliant side members, said side members being secured together fluid-tight around the peripheral edge thereof, said sealed edges lying in an upstanding plane through the major axis of the ellipse, said edge including a passage for transferring the contents of the bladder to the stream whereby the side members of the bladder are free to collapse to a relaxed, substantially coplanar relation as the contents of the bladder are discharged, and fluid passage means in fluid communication with said passage for transferring the contents of the bladder into the stream.

3. Apparatus for injecting one liquid into a stream of another liquid to deliver a proportioned mixture of both liquids, said apparatus comprising a closed container having inlet and outlet connections defining said stream and directing same through the container, a compliant bladder adapted to contain the first named liquid, said bladder being disposed within the container and adapted to be largely enveloped by said stream, fluid passage means for transferring the contents of the bladder into the stream, means associated with said passage means for selectively establishing within a predetermined range mixing proportions for said liquids, means for selectively establishing one of a plurality of said ranges, the last named means including a tube extending into and clear of said outlet connection and connected to discharge the contents of said bladder into said stream, and means for varying the clearance between theoutside of said tube and the side wall of said outlet connection to selectively establish one of said plurality of ranges.

4. Apparatus as defined in claim 3 wherein the lastnamed means includes a sleeve formed to be interposed between said tube and said outlet connection.

5. Apparatus as defined in claim 4 wherein said sleeve is supported by the outlet connection to direct the stream substantially contiguously around the discharge end of the tube whereby the liquid of said stream and the other liquid move through said outlet connection in closely adjacent relation serving to enhance the merging of said liquids at the discharge end of the tube.

6. Apparatus for injecting one liquid into a stream of another liquid to deliver a proportioned mixture of both liquids, said apparatus comprising a closed container having inlet and outlet connections defining said stream and directing same through the container, a compliant bladder adapted to contain the first named liquid, an opening formed in the upper end of the bladder, an opening formed through the upper end of the container and communicating with the first named opening for charging the bladder with the first named liquid, said bladder being disposed within the container, fluid passage means communicating with the opening of the bladder for transferring the contents of the bladder into the stream, and means establishing the mixing proportion between the stream and the fluid material determined by the ratio A /A where A represents the area in a transverse plane through the minimum flow passage encountered by said stream, and A represents the area in a transverse plane through the minimum flow passage of said fluid passage means.

7. Apparatus as defined in claim 3 further including a transparent, annular sleeve-like member carried by and forming substantially a continuation of said outlet connection, said sleeve-like member being disposed in the region of fluid discharge from said tube to permit visual inspection of mixing of said fluid with said stream.

8. Apparatus for injecting a fluid material into a stream of another fluid to deliver a proportioned mixture of both fluids, said apparatus comprising a closed container having inlet and outlet connections defining a first stream and directing same through the container, a collapsible reservoir subject to the pressure of the first stream and adapted to contain said material, said reservoir being at least partially submerged in the first stream within the container, said reservoir being formed with an opening at the upper end thereof, and fluid passage means defining a second stream carrying fluid material from the reservoir via said opening into the first stream in selected proportionate amounts, said fluid passage means having a discharge end disposed to direct said second stream to be contiguously surrounded by said first stream flowing alongside same, to provide enhanced entrainment of the fluid material of the second stream into the first stream.

9. Apparatus for injecting one liquid into a stream of another liquid to deliver a proportioned mixture of both liquids, said apparatus comprising a closed container having inlet and outlet connections defining said stream and directing same through the container, a compliant bladder adapted to contain the first named liquid, said bladder being disposed within the container and adapted to be largely enveloped by said stream, fluid passage means for transferring the contents of the bladder into the stream, means associated with said passage means for selectively establishing within a predetermined range mixing proportions for said liquids, and a tube extending into and clear of said outlet connection and connected to discharge the contents of said bladder into said stream, the clearance between the outside of said tube and the side wall of said outlet connection serving to establish said range.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 967,450 8/10 Sholes 137-5645 1,040,712 10/12 Lutenegger 137556.6 1,390,176 9/21 Struve 137564.5 1,873,817 8/32 Buddenhagen l37564.5 2,090,261 8/37 Mitchell 137564.5 3,009,498 11/61 Fohr 137-223 XR 3,029,837 4/62 Neudeck 137564.5 3,089,624 5/63 Micallef 239-327 XR M. CARY NELSON, Primary Examiner, 

1. APPARATUS FOR INJECTING A FLUID MATERIAL INTO A STREAM OF ANOTHER FLUID TO DELIVER A PROPORTIONED MIXTURE OF BOTH FLUIDS, SAID APPARATUS COMPRISING A CLOSED CONTAINER HAVING FIRST INLET AND OUTLET CONNECTIONS DEFINING THE STREAM AND DIRECTING SAME THROUGH THE CONTAINER, A COLLAPLIBLE RESERVOIR SUBJECT TO THE PRESSURE OF THE STREAM AND ADAPTED TO CONTAIN SAID MATERIAL, SAID RESEVOIR BEING AT LEAST PARATIALLY SUBMERGED IN THE STREAM WITHIN THE CONTAINER, AN OPENING THROUGH THE TOP OF THE CONTAINER, AN OPENING IN THE TOP OF THE RESEVOIR, MEANS FORMING A FLOW PATH COMMUNICATING BETWEEN SAID OPENINGS FOR CHARGIONG SAID RESERVOIR WITH SAID MATERIAL FROM OUTSIDE THE CONTAINER, AND FLUID PASSAGE MEANS COMMUNICATING WITH THE OPENING IN THE TOP OF THE RESEVOIR TO TRANSFER THE CONTENTS OF THE RESERVOIR INTO THE STREAM IN SELECTED PREDETERMINED PROPORTIONATE AMOUNTS. 